Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Bridging Program
Internationally Educated Physiotherapists
Bridging Program (IEPB)
Centre for Education and Training
January 2011
The Chang School
Presentation Objectives
By the end of the presentation you will understand:
1.
What is the Bridging Program for Internationally
Educated Physiotherapists ?
2.
Who is eligible?
3.
How to access
The Chang School
Internationally Educated
Physiotherapists Bridging Program
• 3 yr pilot August 2008 – March 30, 2011
•
Funded by CIC & MCI
•
Jan 2009 - 16 students
•
Jan 2010 - 21 students
The Chang School
Ryerson University
• Provide incubation environment
• Capitalize on experience and infrastructure by
integrating the new program into a “one-window”
service branded as Gateway for International
Professionals.
• Application to MCI for funding renewal in process. Host
site under consideration.
The Chang School
Pilot Program Partners
• Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators
• College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
• Universities of Toronto, Western Ontario & Queen’s
• Ontario Physiotherapy Association
• Employer Representatives
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IEPB Objectives
• Assist IEPT to fill identified gaps in knowledge, skills
and / or workplace experience
•
Improve performance in PT competency examination.
•
Make significant progress toward registration &
employment as a PT.
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IEPB Objectives (continued)
•
Identify unintended systemic access barriers & seek
solutions.
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Barrier: Information During Immigration
• Limited information or misinformation
• Only 50% of 179 surveyed were advised PT is a
regulated profession
• Not advised to complete credentialing prior to
immigration or to contact The Alliance
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Who is Eligible?
Step 1: Credentials reviewed by the Canadian Alliance of
Physiotherapy Regulators. PLAR plan developed for
those with minor gaps.
• Must have a degree in physiotherapy from institution
equivalent to Canadian university
• Evaluation services activities identifies gaps in knowledge,
language, skill and/or clinical experience.
The Chang School
Who is Eligible?
• Alliance refers IEPTs who are eligible for PLAR
Agreement and have coursework gaps which are
addressed in Bridging Program.
• IEPTs may request Alliance referral if PLAR plan
complete but prefer to do Bridging Program or if not
successful on exam
The Chang School
Admission Criteria
• Referred by The Alliance
• Minimum language proficiency
• Right to work in Canada
• Commitment to 2 days on campus and 3-4 hours
homework for each hour in class
• Ability to relocate in Ontario for clinical internship
The Chang School
Admission Process
• Paper screening – meets Admission Criteria
• 1- day On-site Competency Assessment: Scores not
used as admission criteria during validation process.
Competency Report provides candidate and faculty
with information related to bridging requirements.
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1 Day Competency Assessment
• Competency-based evaluation of PT knowledge, skills,
judgment and communication skills
• Written exercises, simulated patients, watch mock
team meeting, team meeting exercise, interview
• Identifies IEPT most likely to benefit from Bridging
Program
The Chang School
Bridging Program is …
Designed to:
 Build on existing knowledge & skills
 Reveal & adapt IEPT competencies to Canadian
expectations
 Smooth out the transition speed bumps
 Make IEPT more productive when they work
The Chang School
Building on Existing Knowledge
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Disease and Disorders
Applied anatomy
Physiology, exercise physiology
Biomechanics
Principles of Assessment
Documentation
Electrotherapy Modalities
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PT Competencies Developed in Program
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Professional Communication Skills
PT Skills and Knowledge
Clinical Reasoning
Professional Behaviour
Collaborative Practice
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IEPB Program Curriculum
1.
2.
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Professional Communication and PT Practice
Canadian Health System
Clinical Skills for Physiotherapy Practice 1
Professional Development of PT Practitioners
Basic Clinical Internship
Physiotherapists as Primary Care Providers
Clinical Skills for Physiotherapy Practice 11
Consolidation Clinical Internship
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Workplace Clinical Internship
Workplace Clinical Practicum provides opportunity to:
• Demonstrate can meet Canadian performance
expectations
• Practice in areas of gaps
• Get Canadian reference
Regulator – Does not require Canadian experience
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Developing Professional Partnerships
• Find sufficient mentorship, clinical practice &
employment opportunities
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Cultural Differences
• Organization & delivery of health care
• Role of physiotherapist
• Customs, values, traditions, norms
Example: Expert driven, hierarchical healthcare system
where MD provides diagnosis and PT treatment plan.
Expected not to question physician.
Transition to collaborative practice.
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Exam Skills Preparation
• Exam Skill Preparation skills embed in all courses
• 5 one-day Workshop(s) annually for IEPT’s not
enrolled to develop skills in writing MCQ & in taking
OSCE exams
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National Competency Exam Formats
1. MCQ written: less common outside of
North America
2. Clinical Practical Exam (OSCE): limited
materials to prepare for practical exam
if not experienced through entry to
practice program.
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Exam Performance –
Discrepancy in Pass Rates
Canadian Educated
Written - 92% pass
Clinical – 93.3%
Internationally Educated
Written – 48.5% pass
Clinical – 57.2% pass
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Program Evaluation
• Final Pilot Program Report due Feb 28, 2011
• Major qualitative and quantitative program and project
evaluation underway.
• Pilot student group(s) are major source of feedback
• Academic Advisors & Advisory Council provides
expertise & advice
The Chang School
* How to Get Ready*
• Develop language skills: professional language
• Refresh FUNDAMENTAL physiotherapy knowledge
• Learn REGISTRANT’S GUIDE on College website
• Prepare for Evidence Based Practice: read journals
• Volunteer / Job to get exposure to health care system
The Chang School
Questions ???
Contact – cpuri@ryerson.ca or 416-979-5000 ext 7394
The Chang School